I'm biased. We had an IM and would never go without. It was her advocacy that allowed us to have a vaginal breech instead of a c/s. Her presence also meant DH could have a break when needed or he could concentrate on me whilst she was dealing with the powers that be.

About your cons:
Im giving birth an hour away, do Doula's travel?
Some do - ask.

 We dont have alot of money, so will I be paying for something thats not right for me? How much do they really cost?
You need to ask. There's a few listed on BB. Personally I think an independent birth attendent is worth the cost. If you want an IM for the birth, you're looking at $1000-1500. Not sure about doulas. $500-1000?

After losing 46 kg, I dont look all that smashing naked with all the loose skin, will I feel uncomfortable in front of a "stranger"?
You'll be naked in front of the middies and drs who are all strangers. Just mention you feel self-conscious. You may find you don't even notice whilst in the middle of labour. Or wear something fabulous.

Can doula's take photos of the first moments with bub? Is that an extra cost?
Ask. Hand them a camera and ask them to snap away. Our camera was passed betwenn our IM and the med student and we got some great shots. Next time, I want video.

As you want a VBAC, I really recommend you engage someone with lots of experience. SOmeone who's in it for you and your bub, not just for them. Personally I'd get an IM, but it comes down to $$ too.
Thanks for your reply! Yes, your right, I know there will be other strangers around and really.. my doula wont be a stranger because I will meet with her a few times before the birth yeah?

I had a doula, and absolutley loved it, and will definitely be having the same one the second time around, especially like you, we want to try for a vbac. Even DH said she was worth her weight in gold cos we had no idea what to expect, and she was there as an advocate for us.

To address some of your concerns:

1. I am the most self concious person, and don't do nudity at all! But during labour, all those fears disappeared to a certain extent, and it was just business as usual for her.

2. Ours cost $600, and the way I looked at it was I wasnt going to a private hospital, and I wanted someone there for me.

3. Of course they travel, Doulas love their work, and a bit of travel isnt going to stop them being at the birth.

4. Photos, i assume yes, I'm not sure about this as ours ended in a C-Sec, but I dont see why not.

You know you can book in just to have a chat with one, and see what they are all about and if you are comfortable with them. Well thats how mine worked anyway.

Hth, and good luck with your decision
How did it go with your Doula when you ended up with a c/section? Was she allowed in there with you? $600 isnt too bad, Ide be willing to pay that if I could pay it off (we arnt poorpers or anything, just low income, with bills).

You may be able to find a student doula in your area. They may be willing to work with you at no charge.
Many doula's are more than happy to take the photos you want.
And doula's a a fantastic way to empower the Dads as well as the mums.

A doula will work with you, help you to develop a birth plan, work through any anxieties before the birth.

And do not worry about your body. You are giving birth - Your body is amazing! You should be very proud of your achievements in weight loss, you have nothing to be afraid of, or to feel concerned about. The doula would not be worried and will help aleviate your worries.

As for travelling, that is a personal choice for a doula. You can only ask!

All the best. xox
Didnt think of a student Doula. Where do you go to find Doula's? I like the word empowering thanks for your reply xx

Im giving birth an hour away, do Doula's travel?
Yes, it depends on the doula though and some may have an extra travel charge. Alternatively you could look for a doula in the town where you will be birthing, you won't have to meet up with the doula before the birth as many times as you would a midwife so it wouldn't be as big of an issue if your doula isn't in the same town as you; you'll have plenty of time before hand to contact each other via phone, email etc

We dont have alot of money, so will I be paying for something thats not right for me?
Only you can decide if the cost is something you can justify. There are some doulas who may organise a payment plan. If your doula is someone who is going to help you achieve the birth that is important to you then you can't put a cost on that.

How much do they really cost?
Costs differ, my closest doula has packages ranging from $400-$800

After losing 46 kg, I dont look all that smashing naked with all the loose skin, will I feel uncomfortable in front of a "stranger"?
Well if you're having a hospy birth I think you'll end up naked in front of strangers anyway. And during birth this should be the last of your concerns.

Can doula's take photos of the first moments with bub? Is that an extra cost?
Doulas should be able to provide many services to support you to achieve the birth you want, and if this includes photos then yes they should be able to do that. Additional costs would depend on things like if they're using their own equipment, if they edit, if they have qualifications etc. Remember though that your doula may not have great photography skills.


Another good reason for having a doula is if you are having a VBAC your doula will have a client library where they will have resources to help you research and prepare for a VBAC. She may also be able to have a debrief with you about your first birth so that you can work past bad memories, feelings etc from your last birth.
Thank you I didnt realise they can help you that much to prepare you for your VBAC

Maybe see if there are any student doulas in your area to get rid of the cost and who cares about the body (I know you do)but doula's aren't there to check out your bod iykwim plus you will have mids etc there to see you anyway (plus I can relate re the weight lost and a bit of a sagging issue haha) but I think its sounds like a doula would be a great thing for you!
I will have a look around, thanks